S.C. police dogs may require certification

COLUMBIA -- Police dogs in South Carolina may have to jump through some hoops in order to stay on the job.

Rep. Dennis Moss, R-Gaffney, introduced a bill last month aimed at requiring canine teams, which consist of a dog and an officer handler, to be certified for a variety of skills by next year. Rep. Andy Patrick, R-Hilton Head, is among several cosponsors of the proposal, H. 3580.

There are currently no canine certification laws in place, according to the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. The academy has trained officers since 1968 and is the only facility authorized in the state. Florence McCants, spokeswoman for SCCJA, said the agency has been working on the legislation.

Among the skills to be mastered: heeling and staying down while off lead, searching for a concentration of human odor, detecting marijuana and cocaine and four categories of explosives. Searching for a person who’s hiding is also listed in the bill.

Bloodhounds would have their own curriculum. The tracking dogs would require a 16-hour minimum training adapted from the current academy lesson plans. New dog handlers would have to meet additional standards.